The recently announced ceasefire between India and Pakistan has held for a second day, providing a temporary respite from intense military conflict that erupted after India's airstrikes in Pakistan on May 7. The strikes were a response to a terrorist attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that killed 26 people. While both nations celebrate the ceasefire, they continue to blame each other for the violence. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has ruled out discussions on the water treaty with Pakistan, emphasizing that any talks will focus solely on terrorism and Kashmir. Meanwhile, the United States claims to have played a role in brokering the ceasefire, a claim that India disputes. Civilians on both sides express relief but remain wary of returning home due to ongoing tensions and past violence.
Violence erupted in Tripoli, Libya, following the assassination of Abdel Ghani al-Kikli, a powerful militia leader known as "Gheniwa." His death triggered armed clashes among rival groups, particularly in the Abu Salim neighborhood, leading to at least six reported fatalities and numerous injuries. The Government of National Unity (GNU) has urged residents to remain indoors and has suspended classes across the city due to the escalating violence. The United Nations has called for an immediate ceasefire and emphasized the need to protect civilians amidst the chaos. Al-Kikli's militia, the Stability Support Apparatus (SSA), has faced allegations of human rights abuses, including torture and extrajudicial killings, further complicating the already volatile security situation in Libya, which has been marred by conflict since the 2011 uprising that ousted Muammar Gaddafi.
In his first public address since a series of military exchanges between India and Pakistan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi warned that India would respond decisively to any future terrorist attacks originating from Pakistan. The remarks follow a US-brokered ceasefire announced after four days of intense conflict, which resulted in numerous casualties on both sides. Modi emphasized that "terror and talks cannot go together," reiterating India's stance on the ongoing tensions over Kashmir, where both nations claim sovereignty. The ceasefire discussions included military leaders from both countries, who agreed on the necessity of troop reductions along their borders. While Modi expressed gratitude towards the Indian armed forces, Pakistan denied any involvement in supporting militant groups and called for an impartial investigation into the recent attacks.
The Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) has announced its intention to disband after over four decades of armed conflict with the Turkish state, a move prompted by a call from its imprisoned leader, Abdullah Ocalan. The PKK, which has been labeled a terrorist organization by Turkey, the EU, and the U.S., has shifted its focus from seeking an independent Kurdish state to advocating for greater autonomy and rights for Kurds within Turkey. Despite the historic nature of this decision, responses from local Kurdish communities are mixed, with some expressing skepticism about the Turkish government's commitment to peace and others hopeful for a resolution to the long-standing conflict. Turkish officials have welcomed the announcement, viewing it as a step towards a "terror-free" Turkey, while the implications for Ocalan's future remain uncertain.
U.S. President Donald Trump has proposed to join direct peace talks between Russia and Ukraine scheduled for May 15 in Istanbul, a move welcomed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This initiative follows Russian President Vladimir Putin's suggestion for direct negotiations without preconditions. Zelenskyy has stated he will only attend if Putin is present, reiterating Ukraine's demand for a ceasefire before any talks can proceed. The Kremlin has not confirmed Putin's attendance, but has expressed commitment to seeking a long-term peaceful settlement. Following Trump's announcement, diplomatic discussions have intensified, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio engaging European counterparts to explore a ceasefire. The upcoming talks represent a potential turning point in a conflict that has claimed countless lives since the invasion began in February 2022.
Edan Alexander, a 21-year-old dual US-Israeli citizen and soldier, has been released from Hamas captivity after 19 months. His release, facilitated by the International Committee of the Red Cross, occurred on Monday as part of a goodwill gesture towards the Trump administration, coinciding with Trump's upcoming visit to the Middle East. The Israeli government paused military operations briefly to allow for the handover, with Alexander reuniting with his family at an Israeli military base. While his release has been celebrated, it underscores the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where a blockade has resulted in severe food shortages and widespread suffering. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu credited military and diplomatic pressure for the release but emphasized that military operations would continue. The fate of 58 remaining hostages, many still held by Hamas, remains uncertain.
French actor Gérard Depardieu has been found guilty of sexually assaulting two women on the set of the film "Les Volets Verts" in 2021. The Paris court sentenced the 76-year-old actor to an 18-month suspended prison term and ordered him to pay fines totaling €29,040. The court emphasized the credibility of the victims’ testimonies, which detailed incidents of groping and lewd comments made by Depardieu. The verdict is seen as a significant moment for the #MeToo movement in France, marking a shift in how allegations of sexual misconduct are addressed within the film industry. Depardieu, who has denied the charges, plans to appeal the decision, while the case has reignited discussions about sexism and accountability in French cinema.
